Any bigger guys go from Yamaha to Husky?

wm741
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wm741
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right. I’ve done the suspension and even a tall seat among other stupid amount of mods.

Question is, has anyone gone to a husky 450 from the Yamaha? I’m super intrigued by them but it’s a big switch IMO. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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Crisp
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Crisp 4/23/2019 11:31pm
4/23/2019 11:31pm Edited Date/Time 4/23/2019 11:31pm
I cant help unfortunately but I am interested in the topic as I've been on Yamaha since 2005 ( enduro though ). I'm liking the new Huskies and am considering changing to one next year so I'm interested what the differences are in feel on the bike.
fourfourone
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fourfourone 4/24/2019 5:24am
4/24/2019 5:24am
i'm not a big guy at 5'10 190 but the ktm/husky feel smaller and more compact then my yz.
walleyeguy
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walleyeguy 4/24/2019 6:15am
4/24/2019 6:15am
I'm 6'2" 235. I went from a 14 YZ250F (which was an awesome bike) to a 2017 FX350 (which is an AWESOME bike). I really liked the yamaha aside from the front end in fast turns. Most of the time I jump on someone elses bike I feel very uncomfortable but from the first ride on the Husky it was like I owned it for years. Not trashing the yamaha at all but I think the Husky does everything the Yamaha does except has a better feel in the front with turns.
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pete24
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pete24 4/24/2019 6:20am
4/24/2019 6:20am
I weigh 220 I went from a yz 250 two stroke to a husky 250 two stroke im a Yamaha guy for life cept the husky is 100times better than the yz and Yamaha needs to update that thing or just stop making them
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fourfourone
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fourfourone 4/24/2019 6:25am
4/24/2019 6:25am
pete24 wrote:
I weigh 220 I went from a yz 250 two stroke to a husky 250 two stroke im a Yamaha guy for life cept the husky...
I weigh 220 I went from a yz 250 two stroke to a husky 250 two stroke im a Yamaha guy for life cept the husky is 100times better than the yz and Yamaha needs to update that thing or just stop making them
hes talking 4 stroke.
wm741
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wm741 4/24/2019 6:34am
4/24/2019 6:34am
fourfourone wrote:
i'm not a big guy at 5'10 190 but the ktm/husky feel smaller and more compact then my yz.
What year Yamaha are you on?
fourfourone
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fourfourone 4/24/2019 6:40am
4/24/2019 6:40am
17. but have been on an 18. Shrouds are a bit thinner but other then that they feel the same size.
nick610s
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nick610s 4/24/2019 7:02am
4/24/2019 7:02am Edited Date/Time 4/24/2019 7:03am
I’m 6’0 and 200 lbs I own an 18 yz450, ive got the bike pretty well setup, but then I jumped on a buddies 19.5 Ktm factory edition, let me say first that I have not liked a single Ktm or husky since they came out with the first “dungey bike”.. but whatever they did to this one “it was all stock” I liked it. Felt more on top of the bike than I had previously noticed, it handled well and the motor was very smooth but still really fast.. I was only going to do 3-4 laps but ended up out there for about 7-8! And just thought to myself this isn’t my bike. Go give it back. Anyhow.. made me change bar bends on my yz which helped a little bit. But I am not going to spend 12k on a dirt bike either.
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RCF
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RCF 4/24/2019 7:11am
4/24/2019 7:11am
When people talk about KTM pricing it reminds me of fish stories, you know when the fish gets bigger each time you tell the story it seems like the price of the KTM keeps going up and up.
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nick610s
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nick610s 4/24/2019 9:45am
4/24/2019 9:45am
RCF wrote:
When people talk about KTM pricing it reminds me of fish stories, you know when the fish gets bigger each time you tell the story it...
When people talk about KTM pricing it reminds me of fish stories, you know when the fish gets bigger each time you tell the story it seems like the price of the KTM keeps going up and up.
Haha well when the guy who let me ride his bike said it was 12k out the door.. I’m not going to argue with him. And the price goes up every year for every brand. $100 at minimum, even on bikes that haven’t got changed since 06 go up.
kpiper
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kpiper 4/24/2019 9:46am
4/24/2019 9:46am
I am well over 6' tall and have ridden both the current YZ and KTM. The KTM does feel smaller to me but after riding for a little bit you get used to it. So don't really think that aspects matters in the end.
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quadzrulebro 4/24/2019 11:05am
4/24/2019 11:05am
I’m 6’4”. A tall seat is the wrong way to go for MX no matter what bike you’re on. For a tall guy, you should be doing everything you can to lower your CG to make the bike turn quicker. If the sitting to standing transition is too much work for you, get to the gym more often. Previous generation KTMs were comfy for tall riders, but the current Austrian bikes are tiny and will likely make your problems worse. I currently race a 2017 CRF450R, and I’m very happy with the handling.
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Agent717
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Agent717 4/24/2019 11:52am
4/24/2019 11:52am Edited Date/Time 4/24/2019 11:54am
I currently ride an FC350 and was considering a new YZ450. I rode one a couple weeks ago and felt like the peg-to-seat distance was too short. I'm only 6'1" and my knees were well above the top of the seat when standing which kept me from being able to grip the bike properly and made me feel very sketchy. Bummer because I really like the motor.

My Husky feels much taller and more comfortable, enough so that I decided to just hang onto it for a little bit longer rather than getting a new bike.
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wm741
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wm741 4/24/2019 11:55am
4/24/2019 11:55am
Agent717 wrote:
I currently ride an FC350 and was considering a new YZ450. I rode one a couple weeks ago and felt like the peg-to-seat distance was too...
I currently ride an FC350 and was considering a new YZ450. I rode one a couple weeks ago and felt like the peg-to-seat distance was too short. I'm only 6'1" and my knees were well above the top of the seat when standing which kept me from being able to grip the bike properly and made me feel very sketchy. Bummer because I really like the motor.

My Husky feels much taller and more comfortable, enough so that I decided to just hang onto it for a little bit longer rather than getting a new bike.
I ran in to the same thing hints the tall seat. it’s for sure not the same as the last gen. Sat on the Husky today and was super impressed the way it feels. Guess we shall see
Madmax31
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Madmax31 4/24/2019 12:56pm
4/24/2019 12:56pm
I'm 6'3" and ride the older bigger framed 2013 KTM450 plus I've added taller bars, and lower pegs, so my bike is big. I rode a friends 2018.5 Husky 450's a few weeks back and sitting in the pits thought this feel like a mini bike. Really thought I wouldn't like it at all. Once on the track, all I noticed was how great it handled. Makes my bike feel like a pc of $hit to be honest. Even though it was smaller it felt more comfortable on the track...have no clue why.
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Asselstine 4/24/2019 1:21pm
4/24/2019 1:21pm
Best bike for tall guys is a new Kx450. The Yz450 feels small first thing I did was lower the pegs. I'm only 6 ft
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whiskeyfrottle43 4/24/2019 1:22pm
4/24/2019 1:22pm
I cant contest on the new husky, but i came from a 2018 yz450. I loved the bike as im 6'5" and 260. +25 expert rider. i switched because i had the opportunity for a good deal to be had on mine. I went to a 2019 KX450. Ive never had a kawi so was skeptical, but it seems likes one of the best decisions i've had in a while! Leg room is huge on it and makes a big guy not feel so cramped on the bike. Turns awesome also and has great power
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Freedom Mx
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Freedom Mx 4/24/2019 1:55pm
4/24/2019 1:55pm
wm741 wrote:
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right...
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right. I’ve done the suspension and even a tall seat among other stupid amount of mods.

Question is, has anyone gone to a husky 450 from the Yamaha? I’m super intrigued by them but it’s a big switch IMO. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
What about setup is giving you issues ? Suspension done , but is it setup properly. Sag,fork height,handlebars, make a big difference also order 19’ front wheel
Spacers. Fastway Anklesavers are also adjustable. Also the mapping make a big difference in how the bike corners. I love my Yamaha, like anything just have to find the right combo. I had a 17’ KTM, loved it, definitely thinner like the Husky. I would think the bigger guys would be more comfy on the Yamaha, but what do I know ? Hope you can get it dialed in ??

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wm741
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wm741 4/24/2019 5:19pm
4/24/2019 5:19pm
wm741 wrote:
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right...
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right. I’ve done the suspension and even a tall seat among other stupid amount of mods.

Question is, has anyone gone to a husky 450 from the Yamaha? I’m super intrigued by them but it’s a big switch IMO. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Freedom Mx wrote:
What about setup is giving you issues ? Suspension done , but is it setup properly. Sag,fork height,handlebars, make a big difference also order 19’ front...
What about setup is giving you issues ? Suspension done , but is it setup properly. Sag,fork height,handlebars, make a big difference also order 19’ front wheel
Spacers. Fastway Anklesavers are also adjustable. Also the mapping make a big difference in how the bike corners. I love my Yamaha, like anything just have to find the right combo. I had a 17’ KTM, loved it, definitely thinner like the Husky. I would think the bigger guys would be more comfy on the Yamaha, but what do I know ? Hope you can get it dialed in ??
I’ve tried it all Kelly. I even bought the lower fork legs and lugs but decided I was gonna go a different direction as of today before I put them on. I picked up a Rockstar Edish from Cycle Shack for a great deal. It is a little smaller like the new Yamaha but damn that thing corners like a dream. Going to have to re-flash the ECU to get some more bottom end. Next time I make it your way, you have to ride it boss!
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50dippin
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50dippin 4/24/2019 6:03pm
4/24/2019 6:03pm
6'4" here and just switched from yz's to a 2019 kx450. Out of all the 2019's it felt like the most tall friendly bike. I added some lower footpegs, and tall seat and it feels great. On this bike I actually preferred the stock seat height so I will likely switch back to that when its time for a new seat cover. The ktm/husky felt really tiny.
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Freedom Mx
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Freedom Mx 4/24/2019 7:43pm
4/24/2019 7:43pm
wm741 wrote:
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right...
I’m about 6’3” 240 and have been on blue 450’s for years. I’ve got an 18 YZ450 currently and just can’t get it set up right. I’ve done the suspension and even a tall seat among other stupid amount of mods.

Question is, has anyone gone to a husky 450 from the Yamaha? I’m super intrigued by them but it’s a big switch IMO. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Freedom Mx wrote:
What about setup is giving you issues ? Suspension done , but is it setup properly. Sag,fork height,handlebars, make a big difference also order 19’ front...
What about setup is giving you issues ? Suspension done , but is it setup properly. Sag,fork height,handlebars, make a big difference also order 19’ front wheel
Spacers. Fastway Anklesavers are also adjustable. Also the mapping make a big difference in how the bike corners. I love my Yamaha, like anything just have to find the right combo. I had a 17’ KTM, loved it, definitely thinner like the Husky. I would think the bigger guys would be more comfy on the Yamaha, but what do I know ? Hope you can get it dialed in ??
wm741 wrote:
I’ve tried it all Kelly. I even bought the lower fork legs and lugs but decided I was gonna go a different direction as of today...
I’ve tried it all Kelly. I even bought the lower fork legs and lugs but decided I was gonna go a different direction as of today before I put them on. I picked up a Rockstar Edish from Cycle Shack for a great deal. It is a little smaller like the new Yamaha but damn that thing corners like a dream. Going to have to re-flash the ECU to get some more bottom end. Next time I make it your way, you have to ride it boss!
Heck Yea ?? Killer bike, you will love it,I loved my KTM, but really liked how I can tune the Yamaha, I can put the power where it doesn’t wear me out, at 50. So sad getting old ! I am hoping to ride this weekend,made some new changes with VMac this week on both tracks. My bike only has 5.9 hours. You never ride LESS than when you have a track ??See ya next time ??
rjg
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rjg 4/25/2019 5:01am
4/25/2019 5:01am
Yamaha peg to seat length is very short and pushes you knees up too high and it's difficult from sitting to standing. Left yamaha and went different brand because of this 6-4"
lostboy819
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lostboy819 4/25/2019 7:04am
4/25/2019 7:04am
pete24 wrote:
I weigh 220 I went from a yz 250 two stroke to a husky 250 two stroke im a Yamaha guy for life cept the husky...
I weigh 220 I went from a yz 250 two stroke to a husky 250 two stroke im a Yamaha guy for life cept the husky is 100times better than the yz and Yamaha needs to update that thing or just stop making them
Laughing I guess you didn't see the results from the two stroke national at Glen Helen last week. Laughing For a bike that is 100times better than the Yamaha they sure didnt do much winning.
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moto988
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moto988 4/25/2019 10:15am
4/25/2019 10:15am
lowered pegs on the newer yz 450 make a huge difference. I struggled on it til I added the lowered pegs . now I have no complaints.
user760a
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user760a 4/25/2019 10:17am
4/25/2019 10:17am
I am about 6'2 and 190. I ride a YZ450FX. I did a KTM demo day a while back, all of the orange bikes I rode felt pretty cramped
so I am sure the husky feels about the same

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